by Scott Hawkins
There was no doubt the final race of the 2000 BMD Title Loan Late Model Series was going to be a night to remember for many racers. Legendary driver, Cale Yarborough, joined the field of SARA regulars in the only race he would run all year. You could sense the excitement from drivers and fans alike whenever Cale would make an appearance. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get an autograph or a picture with a true racing legend, and the three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion was more than willing to oblige. But, there was more on the line for many drivers in the last race of the year.

Bobby Beauchemin had to finish 14th or better to capture the 2000 Series Championship and wrap up a successful racing season for the Dent Wizard Chevrolet Team. Michael Faulk had already secured the 2000 Rookie of the Year Award and was looking to back up his victory at Sunshine Action Speedway with a good run on the 3/4-mile oval in Lakeland, FL. Dwayne Dempsey was also on hand as well as Clint Slaggy, Wayne Morris, Joe Boyd, Larry Osteen, Jeff Scofield and others to round out a 32-car field.

Jason Crossey and Chip Shell made up the front row, and they provided some great racing action for the fans at the USA International Speedway. Shell took the early lead and everyone was looking for a place in line as the race got underway. Five laps into it, just as the cars were getting up to speed, Yarborough got loose off of turn 4 and it was on from there. Ed Howell's machine was shortened up quite a bit and Eddie Miller's ride had severe right side damage. Mike Cioffi, Brent O'Neil and Todd Blevins would also get caught up in the incident, but all were ok.

On the lap after the restart, Kim Scheffler-Hayes and Chris Lawrence suffered damage, which took them out of the race as well. Shell held his composure with the lead, but was challenged by many. First, it was Crossey who was all over Shell looking for a place to make a move. Crossey's car was getting good bite off the turns, but Shell held the bottom line. Finally, off of turn 4, Crossey got into the back end of Shell sending him around and Crossey to the tail end of the field for the penalty.

Then, Wayne Morris took his turn with Shell. Morris was fast and perhaps had the better car until engine problems ended his night early. Elsewhere in the pack, Beauchemin and Scofield continued their season-long battle once again, neither one giving an inch to the other.

Dempsey then made his presence felt as he slid into second. Shell's car began to slide up the track just a bit and Dempsey turned up the heat. It was white-knuckle time for Shell and his team. They had been so close at so many other races. So many times they had the car to beat, but mechanical problems crushed their chance to win. Now, one of Florida's best drivers was doing his best to take it away again.

Dempsey raced Shell hard to the last lap, off the last turn, but Shell hung on to the lead and took his first victory in the 2000 SARA racing season. Dempsey took second and with a spectacular run, Scott Bramlett took third. Perhaps the fastest car on the track was the rise of Jason Boyd who started in the rear of the field after post tech inspection after qualifying. Boyd maneuvered through cautions and lapped traffic to finish fourth and pick up the Hard-Charger Award and the Top Rookie Award. Beauchemin wound up his strong season with another top five finish crossing the stripe fifth. Clint Slaggy, Jeff Scofield, Larry Osteen, Michael Faulk and Jason Crossey rounded out the top ten.

Scott Hawkins

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